How do the Cowboys free agent signings affect Redskins?

The Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys have both proceeded through free agency with very little fanfare. Each of these franchises has focused on retaining key players and filling vacated spots with bargain upgrades.

The Cowboys defense lost some key contributors to a unit that was ranked 11th in 2016. DT Jack Crawford (to the Atlanta Falcons), DT Terrell McClain (to the Washington Redskins), S Barry Church (to the Jacksonville Jaguars); S J.J. Wilcox (to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), CB Brandon Car (to the Baltimore Ravens) and CB Morris Claiborne (to the New York Jets) will be missed.

Dallas added some additional faces for defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli’s side of the ball by signing former Redskins and Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Stephen Paea; former Philadelphia Eagles corner Nolan Carroll and New York Giant defensive end Damontre Moore.

Washington is primarily focused on its 28th ranked defense in these initial stages of free agency. The Redskins looked to fill the void that defensive lineman Chris Baker left by adding former Dallas defensive tackle Terrell McClain and former Oakland Raider defensive tackle Stacy McGee.

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The Redskins also added a defensive playmaker in the secondary in former Arizona Cardinal free safety D.J. Swearinger.

While Dallas retained two of their key wide receivers in Terrance Williams and Brice Butler, the Redskins took a hit offensively, losing both of their 1,000-yard studs in Pierre Garçon (to the San Francisco 49ers) and DeSean Jackson (to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

Despite the losses that the Burgundy and Gold suffered on offense, they added talented wide receiver Terrelle Pryor and Brian Quick to a young core of talent in Jamison Crowder and Josh Doctson.

Both the Redskins and the Cowboys free agent signings have been relatively even so far. While both teams suffered some losses, both also signed guys that could have a solid impact.

Both squads appear to be focused on an NFL draft full of defensive talent.

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